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Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan has today (22 June) praised the dedication and commitment of residents involved in the substantial…

Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan has today (22 June) praised the dedication and commitment of residents involved in the substantial operation to clean-up their communities following the floods which hit North Ceredigion earlier this month (9 June).

Mrs Gillan was invited by Ceredigion MP, Mark Williams to accompany him on today’s visits to the areas affected by the unprecedented floods which had devastating effects on properties, businesses and infrastructure.

Mrs Gillan was keen to visit the county after she and Prime Minister David Cameron praised the “remarkable work” that was done by the emergency services that quickly came to the aid of residents and tourists affected by the flood waters.

During the visit, Mrs Gillan and Mr Williams visited the surgery and retail park at Parc Y Llyn before travelling to Borth, Dol-y-bont and Talybont where the clean-up operation was fully underway. Here they met with residents who were affected by the flash floods which hit the area on Saturday 9 June 2012, before visiting Cambrian Printers in Llanbadarn which was also badly affected by the waters.

Mrs Gillan said:

“Flooding is always a traumatic experience for anyone whose home or business is affected in such a devastating way.

“I cannot imagine the trauma suffered by people who had to be rescued from the waters, and who now have a significant clean-up operation ahead of them.

“I’ve been eager to visit the area to thank all those involved in the rescue efforts and to see the work being done to restore the affected communities. It may take some time, but I am confident that residents are receiving all the support they need to do so.”

Mrs Gillan and Mr Williams were escorted on the visit by Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion Council, Chief Executive of the Council, Miss Bronwen Morgan and Huw Morgan, Director of Highways, Property and Works.